The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey has now recognized medical cannabis as a legitimate treatment for PTSD. Since even before my 2011 arrest in Middletown Township (Monmouth County) I was a high profile advocate for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Medical Cannabis.
Unfortunately while the law has changed, patients such as myself who were wronged are not being compensated.
I was pulled out of a car late at night, handcuffed to a pipe in a cold room for hours, and robbed of my medicine by arrogant police officers who sought to intimidate and generate fine revenue in a municipal court where the Municipal Judge, Richard Thompson, has since been suspended due to alleged corruption.
It is fine to say now that as PTSD patients we are recognized as seriously-ill people in need of cannabis. But my California doctor already told the court as much and no one cared to listen.
A state apology and a lifetime supply of free medicine is what must be provided by the State of New Jersey to patients victimized by the unjust laws of the day.
Rev. Dr. Eric Hafner
Toms River, NJ
Showing posts with label Medical Marijuana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Medical Marijuana. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Letter: Senator Scutari Colorado Marijuana Trip
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden) announced that he plans to visit Colorado to look at the legal pot industry there. But Colorado would be a poor model for New Jersey, because their pot taxes are too high, in addition to an overly regulated licensing system that would lead to more political corruption in the Soprano State. Not to mention all the 18-20 year old adults there still face a criminal record for pot, due to a silly 21 age requirement marketing ploy, designed to make voters link pot to alcohol.
New Jersey should not rush into a "recreational" model but instead expand the medical marijuana law to cover all conditions, allow physicians to utilize telemedicine to issue cannabis recommendations, abolish the mandatory patient registry, and allow non-residents to get a recommendation in New Jersey. This would allow someone from NYC or Philly to come to New Jersey, talk to a Doctor on their iPhone like FaceTime, and head into the dispensary.
We also need public and social smoking spaces in New Jersey. While New Jersey allows medical marijuana patients to light up anywhere tobacco smokers can, Colorado went overboard and banned public consumption (in their eyes, pretty much anywhere other than a private residence). The law went largely unenforced until the "recreational" law was passed and since then, Colorado police are pot smoking ticket happy again. Colorado has also created a new ticket for an "open container" of marijuana in a car - but a homegrown plant doesn't come in a container. This kind of silly lawmaking is the result of Colorado's idea of "recreational" regulation. I call it a red tape nightmare for something that is supposed to have been legalized.
New Jersey needs to have dispensaries with relaxing smoking lounges on the boardwalk in places like Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Sea Bright. Not silly Colorado-style laws stopping legitimate places from getting off the ground.
Dennis Peron, a co-author of Proposition 215, California's medical marijuana law passed in 1996 (largely in response to his friends and lovers dying of AIDS) has told me and stated publicly that he believes all cannabis usage is medical. I agree with this view and believe a medical framework overseen by Doctors is the best approach to cannabis for New Jersey.
Senator Scutari has never smoked pot. I believe him, but do we really want a guy who has never smoked a joint to write the law? African-American Marijuana Activist, Trenton Restaurateur, and Congressional Candidate Robert Edward Forchion aka NJ WEEDMAN is New Jersey's most high profile marijuana activist (groups like NORML are just a bunch of lawyers and limousine liberals who just sit around and get high, Ed actually makes change). As a former Hollywood dispensary operator, Forchion knows the business and the product. Did I mention he's also a Marine Corps Veteran? Let's make him New Jersey's Official Cannabis Czar, for politicians to consult with on marijuana topics.
Before running off to Colorado and talking to a bunch of equally clueless politicians and dispensary chain lobbyists, Senator Scutari should stop by NJ Weedman's Joint restaurant and Liberty Bell Temple III Rastafarian church right across from Trenton City Hall and talk to Ed Forchion.
Colorado's pot laws were designed to empower rich white businessmen, while keeping those with even minor criminal records from working in the industry, and requiring high application fees and startup requirements in order to keep people from the disability community, racial minorities, women, and LGBT people from gaining a foothold in the industry. Before thinking of profits, people need to think of patients and compassion.
The point of changing pot laws is to allow people not only to safely possess it for health, but to empower disadvantaged people and communities harmed by the racist War on Drugs to produce their own medicine, free of corporate control and profiteering. Last year, Ohio voters rejected a corporate attempt to hijack the movement with a law written by businessmen intent on creating a monopoly in their state. New Jersey should take notice.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden) announced that he plans to visit Colorado to look at the legal pot industry there. But Colorado would be a poor model for New Jersey, because their pot taxes are too high, in addition to an overly regulated licensing system that would lead to more political corruption in the Soprano State. Not to mention all the 18-20 year old adults there still face a criminal record for pot, due to a silly 21 age requirement marketing ploy, designed to make voters link pot to alcohol.
New Jersey should not rush into a "recreational" model but instead expand the medical marijuana law to cover all conditions, allow physicians to utilize telemedicine to issue cannabis recommendations, abolish the mandatory patient registry, and allow non-residents to get a recommendation in New Jersey. This would allow someone from NYC or Philly to come to New Jersey, talk to a Doctor on their iPhone like FaceTime, and head into the dispensary.
We also need public and social smoking spaces in New Jersey. While New Jersey allows medical marijuana patients to light up anywhere tobacco smokers can, Colorado went overboard and banned public consumption (in their eyes, pretty much anywhere other than a private residence). The law went largely unenforced until the "recreational" law was passed and since then, Colorado police are pot smoking ticket happy again. Colorado has also created a new ticket for an "open container" of marijuana in a car - but a homegrown plant doesn't come in a container. This kind of silly lawmaking is the result of Colorado's idea of "recreational" regulation. I call it a red tape nightmare for something that is supposed to have been legalized.
New Jersey needs to have dispensaries with relaxing smoking lounges on the boardwalk in places like Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Sea Bright. Not silly Colorado-style laws stopping legitimate places from getting off the ground.
Dennis Peron, a co-author of Proposition 215, California's medical marijuana law passed in 1996 (largely in response to his friends and lovers dying of AIDS) has told me and stated publicly that he believes all cannabis usage is medical. I agree with this view and believe a medical framework overseen by Doctors is the best approach to cannabis for New Jersey.
Senator Scutari has never smoked pot. I believe him, but do we really want a guy who has never smoked a joint to write the law? African-American Marijuana Activist, Trenton Restaurateur, and Congressional Candidate Robert Edward Forchion aka NJ WEEDMAN is New Jersey's most high profile marijuana activist (groups like NORML are just a bunch of lawyers and limousine liberals who just sit around and get high, Ed actually makes change). As a former Hollywood dispensary operator, Forchion knows the business and the product. Did I mention he's also a Marine Corps Veteran? Let's make him New Jersey's Official Cannabis Czar, for politicians to consult with on marijuana topics.
Before running off to Colorado and talking to a bunch of equally clueless politicians and dispensary chain lobbyists, Senator Scutari should stop by NJ Weedman's Joint restaurant and Liberty Bell Temple III Rastafarian church right across from Trenton City Hall and talk to Ed Forchion.
Colorado's pot laws were designed to empower rich white businessmen, while keeping those with even minor criminal records from working in the industry, and requiring high application fees and startup requirements in order to keep people from the disability community, racial minorities, women, and LGBT people from gaining a foothold in the industry. Before thinking of profits, people need to think of patients and compassion.
The point of changing pot laws is to allow people not only to safely possess it for health, but to empower disadvantaged people and communities harmed by the racist War on Drugs to produce their own medicine, free of corporate control and profiteering. Last year, Ohio voters rejected a corporate attempt to hijack the movement with a law written by businessmen intent on creating a monopoly in their state. New Jersey should take notice.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Letter: NJ Medical Pot Prices TOO HIGH
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
The Anti-Pot Christie Administration's Department of Health's recently released report on the Medical Marijuana program incorrectly claims that dispensary prices averaging $489 per ounce are "reasonable" due to the "high" cost of living in New Jersey. But isn't California an expensive place to live too?
In California, ounces can be purchased for anywhere from $100 - $400. While there is quality variation between the cheaper and more expensive, a budget of $250 - $300 an ounce would buy good quality. Buying pounds directly from a grower would be even cheaper.
A round trip ticket is only $300 from Newark airport to Oakland, California - home to numerous large dispensaries.
It would be cheaper for most NJ patients to fly to California, get a mmj recommendation from a CA Doctor (no residency or patient registration requirements, and instant approval to purchase), visit a medical club, and fly home with all the medical marijuana they need (TSA in California lets patient fly with weed) than to pay New Jersey ripoff prices.
When the price is too high, fly to California.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
The Anti-Pot Christie Administration's Department of Health's recently released report on the Medical Marijuana program incorrectly claims that dispensary prices averaging $489 per ounce are "reasonable" due to the "high" cost of living in New Jersey. But isn't California an expensive place to live too?
A round trip ticket is only $300 from Newark airport to Oakland, California - home to numerous large dispensaries.
It would be cheaper for most NJ patients to fly to California, get a mmj recommendation from a CA Doctor (no residency or patient registration requirements, and instant approval to purchase), visit a medical club, and fly home with all the medical marijuana they need (TSA in California lets patient fly with weed) than to pay New Jersey ripoff prices.
When the price is too high, fly to California.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Letter: Saddened By Prosecution Of Medical Marijuana User
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
As a medical marijuana patient, who also grows marijuana and provides it to others, I was saddened to learn that fellow local grower Jon Peditto was convicted by an Ocean County Jury, here in Toms River, on criminal charges that could land him jail for decades just for growing some cannabis plants, that he occasionally consumed with friends.
While Mr. Peditto wasn't using cannabis for a specific illness, he seemed to utilize cannabis as part of his daily wellness routine, and it is an invasion of his right to privacy for the government to interfere with his ability to do so. He only shared his crop with consenting adults in private settings.
Ocean County Judge James Blaney should free Mr. Peditto on a personal recognizance bond pending sentencing, and sentence him to time-served when sentencing time rolls around, to end this senseless attack on a decent, honest citizen paid for by the taxpayer's dime.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato should be ashamed of all the police and prosecutorial resources wasted on this unjust case. This demonstrates Coronato really doesn't care about the heroin epidemic, when resources go to pot.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
As a medical marijuana patient, who also grows marijuana and provides it to others, I was saddened to learn that fellow local grower Jon Peditto was convicted by an Ocean County Jury, here in Toms River, on criminal charges that could land him jail for decades just for growing some cannabis plants, that he occasionally consumed with friends.
While Mr. Peditto wasn't using cannabis for a specific illness, he seemed to utilize cannabis as part of his daily wellness routine, and it is an invasion of his right to privacy for the government to interfere with his ability to do so. He only shared his crop with consenting adults in private settings.
Ocean County Judge James Blaney should free Mr. Peditto on a personal recognizance bond pending sentencing, and sentence him to time-served when sentencing time rolls around, to end this senseless attack on a decent, honest citizen paid for by the taxpayer's dime.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato should be ashamed of all the police and prosecutorial resources wasted on this unjust case. This demonstrates Coronato really doesn't care about the heroin epidemic, when resources go to pot.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Letter: Sen. Scutari NJ Marijuana Legalization Proposal Is Flawed
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
While marijuana should be legal for everyone in New Jersey, State Senator Scutari’s proposal to do so is seriously flawed. A proposed 21 age limit would result in adults 18-21 still facing drug charges that would cost them jobs and federal student benefits.
Scutari proposes allowing municipalities to ban or license marijuana businesses. This is a recipe for corrupt monopolies to take hold, with shady local politicians running the industry. Marijuana businesses should be deemed lawful at the state level, and preempt any local regulation.
While all adults over the age of 18 should have the unrestricted ability to grow, purchase, and transfer cannabis, in order to prevent youth from entering the black market (where harmful substances are sold) minors ages 15 and older should also be allowed to visit legal cannabis retailers with verified parental permission, and there should be no penalty for underage use.
His suggested prohibition on public usage are also of concern, it is much more reasonable to require marijuana only be smoked where tobacco is allowed.
It sounds like Senator Scutari has been doing too much of a cut-and-paste of Colorado policy and not enough common sense research to make this effort at law reform practical and end disparate enforcement. Colorado's system, while better than New Jersey's is still far too over regulated.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Letter: NJ Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are a Sham
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's medical marijuana dispensary system is a sham. A handful of politically connected business people (one of which is former Gov. Whitman's brother) have been given a green light by the Christie Administration to become a state-backed federally illegal drug cartel.
The State of New Jersey's position is that only medical marijuana produced by the state-backed cartel is lawful, and home grow medicine (or medicine from out-of-state dispensaries) is an illegal drug, amounts to a racketeering scheme under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). This scheme creates a monopoly on a federally illegal substance and unfairly leaves legitimate patients and caregivers subject to state-level criminal prosecution.
While New Jersey may remove state-level criminal penalties against medical marijuana, it has no power to affirmatively authorize a select few to violate federal law, while prosecuting the rest.
New Jersey's medical marijuana system is a mafia-controlled for-profit business designed to maximize profits for the politically corrupt, at the expense of patients. Overpriced, sub-par products are being sold by these businesses. State officials have become co-conspirators in a federally illegal scheme.
Shut down the dispensaries and let patients grow at home.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's medical marijuana dispensary system is a sham. A handful of politically connected business people (one of which is former Gov. Whitman's brother) have been given a green light by the Christie Administration to become a state-backed federally illegal drug cartel.
While New Jersey may remove state-level criminal penalties against medical marijuana, it has no power to affirmatively authorize a select few to violate federal law, while prosecuting the rest.
New Jersey's medical marijuana system is a mafia-controlled for-profit business designed to maximize profits for the politically corrupt, at the expense of patients. Overpriced, sub-par products are being sold by these businesses. State officials have become co-conspirators in a federally illegal scheme.
Shut down the dispensaries and let patients grow at home.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Letter: Do Not Allow Takeover Of Dispensary By Compassionate Sciences
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
Compassionate Sciences, Inc. a New Jersey medical marijuana business with former Gov. Whitman’s brother Webster Todd on it’s Board of Trustees, should not be allowed to purchase it’s Atlantic County competitor, Compassionate Care Foundation.
Compassionate Care Foundation, which operates a dispensary in Egg Harbor Township has had financial troubles. But that does not justify it's takeover by another politically connected company now also questionably employing John O’Brien, the former Executive Director of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.
Under federal law, marijuana is still illegal for all purposes. Under the 1983 US Supreme Court case Michigan Canners & Freezers v. Agricultural Bd, it is unlawful for a state government to explicitly license and regulate an activity that violates federal law. Therefore, New Jersey can only remove state level criminal penalties.
Requiring patients to register and all sales to be tracked additionally violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination affirmed in the 1969 US Supreme Court Case Leary v. United States.
New Jersey has violated federal law by creating a politically operated racketeering scheme and cartel, victimizing seriously-ill patients with a monopoly designed to make high profits for the politically connected, at the expense of sick people.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
Compassionate Sciences, Inc. a New Jersey medical marijuana business with former Gov. Whitman’s brother Webster Todd on it’s Board of Trustees, should not be allowed to purchase it’s Atlantic County competitor, Compassionate Care Foundation.
Compassionate Care Foundation, which operates a dispensary in Egg Harbor Township has had financial troubles. But that does not justify it's takeover by another politically connected company now also questionably employing John O’Brien, the former Executive Director of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.
Under federal law, marijuana is still illegal for all purposes. Under the 1983 US Supreme Court case Michigan Canners & Freezers v. Agricultural Bd, it is unlawful for a state government to explicitly license and regulate an activity that violates federal law. Therefore, New Jersey can only remove state level criminal penalties.
Requiring patients to register and all sales to be tracked additionally violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination affirmed in the 1969 US Supreme Court Case Leary v. United States.
New Jersey has violated federal law by creating a politically operated racketeering scheme and cartel, victimizing seriously-ill patients with a monopoly designed to make high profits for the politically connected, at the expense of sick people.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Letter: Politicians Personal Benefits Over the Needs Of Marijuana Patients
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
Governor Chris Christie is known to be a compulsive liar and a political prostitute for big business. Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini runs a drug prevention business and stands to lose money if marijuana prohibition is relaxed.
Yet, both of these miscreants have had the audacity to attack sick people in need of medical marijuana, with the goal of preventing safe access for patients under the misleading scare tactic guise of “security”.
Medical marijuana patients are truly sick and in need of medicine, without red tape designed to protect only the profits of big pharmaceutical companies and the prison industry.
Patients are being honest and truthful about their need for medical marijuana, it is Governor Christie and Assemblywoman Angelini who are lying for personal benefit.
Trust patients over politicians.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
Governor Chris Christie is known to be a compulsive liar and a political prostitute for big business. Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini runs a drug prevention business and stands to lose money if marijuana prohibition is relaxed.
Yet, both of these miscreants have had the audacity to attack sick people in need of medical marijuana, with the goal of preventing safe access for patients under the misleading scare tactic guise of “security”.
Medical marijuana patients are truly sick and in need of medicine, without red tape designed to protect only the profits of big pharmaceutical companies and the prison industry.
Patients are being honest and truthful about their need for medical marijuana, it is Governor Christie and Assemblywoman Angelini who are lying for personal benefit.
Trust patients over politicians.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Friday, July 17, 2015
Letter: A Model Medical Marijuana Law For NJ
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
While New Jersey's patients suffer from a failed medical marijuana program due to an overly complex law, California has succeeded in helping patients. New Jersey should adopt the California medical marijuana law as written below:
SECTION 1. Section 11362.5 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
SEC. 2. If any provision of this measure or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the measure that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this measure are severable.
It's simple, effective and to the point. It works.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
While New Jersey's patients suffer from a failed medical marijuana program due to an overly complex law, California has succeeded in helping patients. New Jersey should adopt the California medical marijuana law as written below:
SECTION 1. Section 11362.5 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:
- 11362.5. (a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
- (b)(1) The people of the State of California hereby find and declare that the purposes of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 are as follows:
- (A) To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician who has determined that the person's health would benefit from the use of marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.
- (B) To ensure that patients and their primary caregivers who obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes upon the recommendation of a physician are not subject to criminal prosecution or sanction.
- (C) To encourage the federal and state governments to implement a plan to provide for the safe and affordable distribution of marijuana to all patients in medical need of marijuana.
- (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes.
- (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no physician in this state shall be punished, or denied any right or privilege, for having recommended marijuana to a patient for medical purposes.
- (d) Section 11357, relating to the possession of marijuana, and Section 11358, relating to the cultivation of marijuana, shall not apply to a patient, or to a patient's primary caregiver, who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.
- (e) For the purposes of this section, ''primary caregiver" means the individual designated by the person exempted under this section who has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health, or safety of that person.
SEC. 2. If any provision of this measure or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the measure that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this measure are severable.
It's simple, effective and to the point. It works.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Letter: Asbury Park Resolution Doesn't Go Far Enough
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
It's a good thing that the City of Asbury Park in Monmouth County has passed a resolution in favor of marijuana legalization.
But a resolution isn't going far enough. Asbury Park should follow up with a city ordinance directing the police department to make enforcement of marijuana laws their lowest law enforcement priority.
Such an ordinance would make marijuana de facto legal in the City of Asbury Park and actually stop people from getting arrested, instead of providing lip service.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
It's a good thing that the City of Asbury Park in Monmouth County has passed a resolution in favor of marijuana legalization.
But a resolution isn't going far enough. Asbury Park should follow up with a city ordinance directing the police department to make enforcement of marijuana laws their lowest law enforcement priority.
Such an ordinance would make marijuana de facto legal in the City of Asbury Park and actually stop people from getting arrested, instead of providing lip service.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Letter: Medical Marijuana & Sports Betting "Schemes" Reek Of Corruption
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey is falling behind the times with unjust and antiquated marijuana laws, that criminalize both medical and adult personal consumers over a plant.
The people of our state support marijuana legalization, but we seem to have a Dictator, not a Governor, who is opposed to it and has blocked it's effective implementation.
Yet Governor Christie has made sure all the dispensary licensees are politically connected rich people. At the same time, Governor Christie has led efforts to setup a scheme for federally illegal sports betting at Monmouth Park.
Both of these schemes reek of corruption and the U.S. Attorney's Office should criminally investigate both.
Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey
Dear Editor,
New Jersey is falling behind the times with unjust and antiquated marijuana laws, that criminalize both medical and adult personal consumers over a plant.
The people of our state support marijuana legalization, but we seem to have a Dictator, not a Governor, who is opposed to it and has blocked it's effective implementation.
Yet Governor Christie has made sure all the dispensary licensees are politically connected rich people. At the same time, Governor Christie has led efforts to setup a scheme for federally illegal sports betting at Monmouth Park.
Both of these schemes reek of corruption and the U.S. Attorney's Office should criminally investigate both.
Eric Hafner
Toms River, New Jersey
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Letter: E-Ciggaretts Less Deadly Than Tobacco
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
In November, I wrote a letter that was sent to New Jersey legislators suggesting that our state ban traditional cigarettes sales in order to force smokers to switch to less deadly e-cigarettes.
This is already the long-term plan of big tobacco anyway, which expects traditional cigarettes to become a thing of the past in the developed world, with new products ready to be rolled out.
The only one who even gave me the courtesy of a reply made a personal choice argument in favor of keeping cigarettes legal, that sounded coached by tobacco industry lobbyists.
We know that cigarettes are an ugly, highly addictive poison that kills over time. Every year in New Jersey approximately 6,900 youth under age 18 will become new daily smokers, due to big tobacco spending $172 million each year on marketing in New Jersey. Every year 11,800 adults in our state die from a tobacco-related illness.
According to New Jersey logic, it’s fine if I wish to smoke recreational tobacco all day and die of lung cancer. Yet when I consume marijuana as medicine, Governor Christie wants to throw me in jail for up to six months, or years if I get caught sharing it with other patients.
Hypocrisy.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
In November, I wrote a letter that was sent to New Jersey legislators suggesting that our state ban traditional cigarettes sales in order to force smokers to switch to less deadly e-cigarettes.
This is already the long-term plan of big tobacco anyway, which expects traditional cigarettes to become a thing of the past in the developed world, with new products ready to be rolled out.
The only one who even gave me the courtesy of a reply made a personal choice argument in favor of keeping cigarettes legal, that sounded coached by tobacco industry lobbyists.
We know that cigarettes are an ugly, highly addictive poison that kills over time. Every year in New Jersey approximately 6,900 youth under age 18 will become new daily smokers, due to big tobacco spending $172 million each year on marketing in New Jersey. Every year 11,800 adults in our state die from a tobacco-related illness.
According to New Jersey logic, it’s fine if I wish to smoke recreational tobacco all day and die of lung cancer. Yet when I consume marijuana as medicine, Governor Christie wants to throw me in jail for up to six months, or years if I get caught sharing it with other patients.
Hypocrisy.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Letter: NJ Medical Marijuana Is Overpriced
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's medical marijuana prices are far too high, with dispensaries charging around $500 an ounce and the state illegally collecting sales tax, despite state law that declares medicines as non-taxable.
The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (2010) required the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services to determine whether any alternative treatment center (medical marijuana dispensary) has charged excessive prices, within two years of the effective date of the act. The Commissioner has failed to make such a determination.
The legislature should require all dispensaries to offer ounces of medical marijuana priced at no more than $200 per ounce and put an end to the illegal sales tax collections.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's medical marijuana prices are far too high, with dispensaries charging around $500 an ounce and the state illegally collecting sales tax, despite state law that declares medicines as non-taxable.
The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (2010) required the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services to determine whether any alternative treatment center (medical marijuana dispensary) has charged excessive prices, within two years of the effective date of the act. The Commissioner has failed to make such a determination.
The legislature should require all dispensaries to offer ounces of medical marijuana priced at no more than $200 per ounce and put an end to the illegal sales tax collections.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Letter: Legalize Marijuana
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey must legalize marijuana. Scientific research has shown cannabis is much safer than alcohol and tobacco.
Medical uses for the plant are numerous and most seriously ill patients can benefit from it, as an alternative to dangerous prescription medications.
New Jersey currently arrests approximately 30,000 people per year on marijuana charges and unfairly brands them with criminal records.
These criminal records cause difficulties in obtaining employment, housing and education.
Until NJ legalizes marijuana, municipalities should pass ordinances declaring enforcement of state marijuana laws unjust and their lowest law enforcement priority.
Police should cease enforcing cannabis prohibition laws and instead focus their limited resources on matters of public safety.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
New Jersey must legalize marijuana. Scientific research has shown cannabis is much safer than alcohol and tobacco.
Medical uses for the plant are numerous and most seriously ill patients can benefit from it, as an alternative to dangerous prescription medications.
New Jersey currently arrests approximately 30,000 people per year on marijuana charges and unfairly brands them with criminal records.
These criminal records cause difficulties in obtaining employment, housing and education.
Until NJ legalizes marijuana, municipalities should pass ordinances declaring enforcement of state marijuana laws unjust and their lowest law enforcement priority.
Police should cease enforcing cannabis prohibition laws and instead focus their limited resources on matters of public safety.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Letter: Medical Marijuana Dispensary Licensing Is Illegal
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
The State of New Jersey is violating federal law by enacting a comprehensive regulation scheme surrounding medical marijuana, instead of just exempting patients and providers from state-level criminal liability.
Upon payment of a substantial application fee, and subsequent approval the state provides permits to a limited number of medical marijuana dispensaries (known as Alternative Treatment Centers). The state chooses which dispensaries are allowed and which are not, and collects fees as a condition of continued operation.
A law which “authorizes [individuals] to engage in conduct that the federal Act forbids . . . ‘stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of Congress’ ” and is therefore preempted. (Michigan Canners and Freezers Association, Inc. v. Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Board (1984) 467 U.S. 461, 478.).
In states where medical marijuana is unregulated, providers and patients still must comply with state law or face penalties.
New Jersey must change the law to allow unregulated medical marijuana co-ops and collectives instead of the current “Alternative Treatment Center” model, which puts the state in violation of federal law.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
The State of New Jersey is violating federal law by enacting a comprehensive regulation scheme surrounding medical marijuana, instead of just exempting patients and providers from state-level criminal liability.
Upon payment of a substantial application fee, and subsequent approval the state provides permits to a limited number of medical marijuana dispensaries (known as Alternative Treatment Centers). The state chooses which dispensaries are allowed and which are not, and collects fees as a condition of continued operation.
A law which “authorizes [individuals] to engage in conduct that the federal Act forbids . . . ‘stands as an obstacle to the accomplishment and execution of the full purposes and objectives of Congress’ ” and is therefore preempted. (Michigan Canners and Freezers Association, Inc. v. Agricultural Marketing and Bargaining Board (1984) 467 U.S. 461, 478.).
In states where medical marijuana is unregulated, providers and patients still must comply with state law or face penalties.
New Jersey must change the law to allow unregulated medical marijuana co-ops and collectives instead of the current “Alternative Treatment Center” model, which puts the state in violation of federal law.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Letter: Reform NJ MMJ
Dear Editor,
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey Inc (CMMNJ), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2003 to support medical marijuana in New Jersey has filed a petition with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, requesting changes to the Medical Marijuana Program. The petition can be viewed online at http://www.cmmnj.org
Ken Wolski, RN, MPA who serves as Executive Director of CMMNJ requested the department eliminate the excessive $200 annual patient registration fee, stop illegally taxing medical marijuana, end the complex additional registration requirements for doctors, add PTSD as a qualifying condition and simplify program rules for patients under 18.
Wolski is a highly qualified clinician who is a leading professional voice on medical marijuana in New Jersey. His advice is that of a skilled, objective medical expert and public policy professional who leads an organization that works directly with the patients.
New Jersey should do the compassionate thing and implement the reforms sought by Wolski and the Coalition for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey Inc on behalf of seriously-ill and dying patients in New Jersey.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey Inc (CMMNJ), a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 2003 to support medical marijuana in New Jersey has filed a petition with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, requesting changes to the Medical Marijuana Program. The petition can be viewed online at http://www.cmmnj.org
Ken Wolski, RN, MPA who serves as Executive Director of CMMNJ requested the department eliminate the excessive $200 annual patient registration fee, stop illegally taxing medical marijuana, end the complex additional registration requirements for doctors, add PTSD as a qualifying condition and simplify program rules for patients under 18.
Wolski is a highly qualified clinician who is a leading professional voice on medical marijuana in New Jersey. His advice is that of a skilled, objective medical expert and public policy professional who leads an organization that works directly with the patients.
New Jersey should do the compassionate thing and implement the reforms sought by Wolski and the Coalition for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey Inc on behalf of seriously-ill and dying patients in New Jersey.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Letter: Most Still Receive No Protection From NJ Compassionate Use Act
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
In 2015, five years after the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act became law,
most patients still receive no protection, as the initial illnesses listed are far too limited and Governor Christie has blocked new qualifying illnesses from being added to the program, despite the law being designed to accept new illnesses.
The few dispensaries are overpriced and frequently have product shortages. Patients are legally limited to only two ounces per month, yet other states allow patients to use as much medical marijuana as they need.
Getting a medical card is complex and expensive, as New Jersey requires additional registration for doctors to be able to recommend medical marijuana and most physicians are unfamiliar with the registration process.
New Jersey needs a total overhaul of it's medical marijuana system. Any patient who a physician believes would benefit from the use of medical marijuana should qualify. The dispensary regulations should be repealed and patients should be allowed to operate not-for-profit collectives and cooperatives to provide each other with medicine, without any kind of red tape licensing scheme.
New Jersey should adopt the text of California's Proposition 215. California has succeeded where New Jersey failed.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
In 2015, five years after the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act became law,
most patients still receive no protection, as the initial illnesses listed are far too limited and Governor Christie has blocked new qualifying illnesses from being added to the program, despite the law being designed to accept new illnesses.
The few dispensaries are overpriced and frequently have product shortages. Patients are legally limited to only two ounces per month, yet other states allow patients to use as much medical marijuana as they need.Getting a medical card is complex and expensive, as New Jersey requires additional registration for doctors to be able to recommend medical marijuana and most physicians are unfamiliar with the registration process.
New Jersey needs a total overhaul of it's medical marijuana system. Any patient who a physician believes would benefit from the use of medical marijuana should qualify. The dispensary regulations should be repealed and patients should be allowed to operate not-for-profit collectives and cooperatives to provide each other with medicine, without any kind of red tape licensing scheme.
New Jersey should adopt the text of California's Proposition 215. California has succeeded where New Jersey failed.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Friday, December 26, 2014
Letter: NJ Medical Marijuana Regulation Is Unconstitutional
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's system of medical marijuana regulation, which requires all patients obtain a state-issued patient identification card to possess and purchase medical marijuana, in tracked sales, is unconstitutional.
Federal law still criminalizes marijuana. New Jersey medical marijuana patients must not be forced to incriminate themselves federally in order to obtain their medicine and be protected from prosecution under state medical marijuana statutes.
In 1969, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 on the grounds that payment of the tax was a violation of the constitutional right against self-incrimination (Leary v US).
It is fine if the State of New Jersey wishes to offer voluntary patient registration. But forcing patients to create criminal evidence against themselves that could later be used against them in a federal prosecution, to be able to purchase state-legal medical marijuana and have a defense against state-level marijuana charges, is blatantly unconstitutional.
A valid physician's recommendation is the only document that should be required for a patient to be protected under New Jersey's Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Dear Editor,
New Jersey's system of medical marijuana regulation, which requires all patients obtain a state-issued patient identification card to possess and purchase medical marijuana, in tracked sales, is unconstitutional.
Federal law still criminalizes marijuana. New Jersey medical marijuana patients must not be forced to incriminate themselves federally in order to obtain their medicine and be protected from prosecution under state medical marijuana statutes.
In 1969, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 on the grounds that payment of the tax was a violation of the constitutional right against self-incrimination (Leary v US).
It is fine if the State of New Jersey wishes to offer voluntary patient registration. But forcing patients to create criminal evidence against themselves that could later be used against them in a federal prosecution, to be able to purchase state-legal medical marijuana and have a defense against state-level marijuana charges, is blatantly unconstitutional.
A valid physician's recommendation is the only document that should be required for a patient to be protected under New Jersey's Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
Eric Hafner
Toms River
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Letter: Civil Rights Law Suit Filed In Keansburg Medical Marijuana case
The expressed opinions or views of this letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the MiddletownMike blog:
Some of you may have heard about my federal civil rights law suit against the Keansburg Police Department and may have heard different things that are being said around the community. It is true that I am a Rastafarian medical marijuana patient who was illegally profiled and my rights were violated. Here is the Star Ledger article on the suit and a link to a copy of the full law suit:
- http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/11/rastafarian_college_sues_keansburg_police_claims_they_profiled_him_for_his_dreadlocks.html
- Copy of the law suit
While in Patrolman Rogan and Detective Lopez's custody, being threatened with gun violence and citing my dreadlocks and Colorado residence as reasons for harassment has left me deeply disturbed at the potential safety of my family, who still reside in Port Monmouth, Middletown Township.
Regarding New Jersey recognizing out of state cards, State vs. Forchion is a law suit dealing with out of state medical marijuana patient cards and is set to rule next year. Edward Forchion and his attorney John Saykanic are working on the appeal:
http://njweedman.com/challenge_brief_judgedelehey_ruling.pdf
I hope that medical, as well as religious users such as myself, can receive the same freedoms everyone else has. The Keansburg Police Street Crimes Unit must be disbanded.
Middletown, New Jersey
Boulder, Colorado
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Rally Being Held Outside Of Middletown Town Hall To Support Medical Cannabis Patient Being Unjustly Prosecuted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Monmouth Patients Group, a civil rights organization that ad vocates on behalf of Medical Cannabis Patients in Monmouth County will be holding a rally against the unjust prosecution of PTSD Patient, Eric Hafner outside the Middletown Municipal Court located at 1 Kings Hwy, Middletown at 8am on Monday, March 12th 2012.
The rally will go until 8:30am when court goes into session and supporters will join Mr. Hafner in the courtroom. In late November, Mr. Hafner was charged with Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams (lowest personal possession charge) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Medical Marijuana Pipe) after a traffic stop in which he was a passenger.
Mr. Hafner suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder that can develop after exposure to an event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual's ability to cope. Patients suffering from PTSD have a highly increased risk of suicide.
While Medical Marijuana has been legal in New Jersey since 2010, the state government has failed to get the program up and running. As a result, no patients have been given the safe, legal access to their medicine as intended by the legislature and patients continue to be arrested as the state has not yet issued a single ID card to allow patients to demonstrate their medical status to law enforcement.
Under the law, 8 illnesses were initially listed as qualifying conditions with the Department of Health and Senior Services being given the power to add additional illnesses at anytime. Unfortunately, the administrative regulations (written by the department, not a part of the actual law) arbitrarily require that patients wait 2 years prior to being able to file a petition with the department to cover an additional illness despite the fact patients are sick now, not 2 years from now.
While New Jersey did not specifically list PTSD under the initial law, Delaware was sure to do so in their law (passed right after and modeled on NJ's law) and New Mexico added PTSD to their list of qualifying conditions after a panel of medical experts reviewed a petition filed with the New Mexico Dept. of Health and determined that Medical Marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD.
After his arrest in New Jersey, Mr. Hafner moved to Los Angeles, California and is recognized by the State of California as a legal Medical Marijuana Patient as per the recommendation of his doctor. The Monmouth Patients group is demanding that the charges against Mr. Hafner be dropped, that his medicine be returned to him and that the State of New Jersey stops arresting Medical Marijuana Patients. A recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll (Nov 2011) found that 86% of New Jersey voters support legal Medical Marijuana.
Contact:
Charles Kwiatkowski, President & MS Patient
Monmouth Patients Group
732-500-1692
watzupchuck@aol.com
http://www.monmouthpatientsgroup.blogspot.com
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The Monmouth Patients Group, a civil rights organization that ad vocates on behalf of Medical Cannabis Patients in Monmouth County will be holding a rally against the unjust prosecution of PTSD Patient, Eric Hafner outside the Middletown Municipal Court located at 1 Kings Hwy, Middletown at 8am on Monday, March 12th 2012.
The rally will go until 8:30am when court goes into session and supporters will join Mr. Hafner in the courtroom. In late November, Mr. Hafner was charged with Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams (lowest personal possession charge) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Medical Marijuana Pipe) after a traffic stop in which he was a passenger.
Mr. Hafner suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder that can develop after exposure to an event that results in psychological trauma. This event may involve the threat of death to oneself or to someone else, or to one's own or someone else's physical, sexual, or psychological integrity, overwhelming the individual's ability to cope. Patients suffering from PTSD have a highly increased risk of suicide.
While Medical Marijuana has been legal in New Jersey since 2010, the state government has failed to get the program up and running. As a result, no patients have been given the safe, legal access to their medicine as intended by the legislature and patients continue to be arrested as the state has not yet issued a single ID card to allow patients to demonstrate their medical status to law enforcement.
Under the law, 8 illnesses were initially listed as qualifying conditions with the Department of Health and Senior Services being given the power to add additional illnesses at anytime. Unfortunately, the administrative regulations (written by the department, not a part of the actual law) arbitrarily require that patients wait 2 years prior to being able to file a petition with the department to cover an additional illness despite the fact patients are sick now, not 2 years from now.
While New Jersey did not specifically list PTSD under the initial law, Delaware was sure to do so in their law (passed right after and modeled on NJ's law) and New Mexico added PTSD to their list of qualifying conditions after a panel of medical experts reviewed a petition filed with the New Mexico Dept. of Health and determined that Medical Marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD.
After his arrest in New Jersey, Mr. Hafner moved to Los Angeles, California and is recognized by the State of California as a legal Medical Marijuana Patient as per the recommendation of his doctor. The Monmouth Patients group is demanding that the charges against Mr. Hafner be dropped, that his medicine be returned to him and that the State of New Jersey stops arresting Medical Marijuana Patients. A recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll (Nov 2011) found that 86% of New Jersey voters support legal Medical Marijuana.
Contact:
Charles Kwiatkowski, President & MS Patient
Monmouth Patients Group
732-500-1692
watzupchuck@aol.com
http://www.monmouthpatientsgroup.blogspot.com
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